Listen to Your Body: Care the Way God Intended

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1 Corinthians 6:19

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time to heal..." Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." Isaiah 40:29

The other day, I fell on concrete and landed on my knee... hard... on the pavement. Instead of slowing down- I got up as quick as I could and tried to make light of it. I already looked stupid enough- my coworkers had a good view! So I pushed through the pain- worked my shift, came home, and tackled my to-do list. After all this is the last thing I need in my busy life. I trying I was being tough, but all I did was make things worse.

This morning, walking was a pretty interesting sight. There was no ignoring this hobble... of course I still went to work, stubbornly ignoring the red flags- but don't worry my boss is a little smarter I guess and I was sent to the doctor. Fine I will go- it's so stupid, but I was actually thinking, that yes, maybe I should. Doctors felt that way too and were not very impressed I didn't come in sooner. Thankfully, nothing is broken, but their could be deeper damage, and I now await MRI approval. Much to my chagrin, I learned I have arthritis, and that is rather angry as well.

So here I sit on doctor’s orders to rest, equipped with a knee brace and a cane. I should’ve listened sooner- not just to my body, but to the God who designed it. I feel foolish for being so stubborn. I am so thankful, I should be up and at it again real soon, and that I eventually did the right thing and stopped everything- even tho I am still not convinced I have to time for this.

Our bodies are not machines to be run into the ground. They are temples- worthy of care. When we ignore our pain, our fatigue, or our need for rest, we aren't being strong- we’re being unwise stewards of God’s gift.

In Ecclesiastes, we’re reminded that there’s a time for everything- including healing. And in Isaiah, we find the encouragement that God gives strength when we admit our weakness. We don’t have to push through everything alone. Sometimes, true strength is found in surrender- in allowing ourselves to rest and recover.

Is your body crying out for rest today? Are you ignoring signs of exhaustion or injury in the name of productivity or pride?

Pause. Listen. Don’t wait until things get worse. Honor the body God gave you by treating it with care, compassion, and attention. After all "We have just one body and we want it to last a long time." I literally preach this at my kids all the time! So guess in the meantime I will rest up and try to follow Doctor's orders. At least I will have my "old faithful" Baxter by my side and he won't mind at all!

"Lord, thank You for the incredible design of our bodies- fearfully and wonderfully made. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored pain or pushed past healthy limits. Teach me to listen, to rest, and to trust You with my healing. Help me to care for this temple You’ve given me- not out of fear, but out of reverence for the One who created it. Amen."